24 October 2022
Dear family member/resident representative,
I wrote to you late last week to let you know that two residents of Level 3 at your loved one’s aged care centre had tested positive to COVID-19. In response to this we implemented our outbreak management plan and tested all other residents on Levels 2 and 3 to ensure we detected any other cases as early as possible.
The results of those tests were received late on Friday; with one more resident from Level 3 returning a positive result. All other results were negative.
The three residents are relatively symptom-free and are being closely monitored as we care for them in their rooms. While a risk of transmission remains all other residents on Level 3 are also encouraged to remain in their rooms where they are being supported with their care needs and activities to suit their interests.
All residents on Levels 3 and 2 were tested again on Saturday and pleasingly all results were negative. As the risk for residents on Level 2 is deemed low, they do not require testing again and are not being asked to remain in their rooms.
Our regime of testing for early detection will continue for residents of Level 3. In accordance with our outbreak management plan this will continue every two days until the risk of virus transmission is deemed managed; with testing this week occurring today, Wednesday and Friday. The testing method is PCR; with analysis in a laboratory results can take up to 24 hours to be reported to us.
I will continue to provide updates like this one, but if your loved one returns a positive result staff will let you know by phone and will continue to provide you with daily updates on their progress.
The following arrangements for visiting remain in place and I thank you in advance for your consideration of them before planning your visit.
Visiting arrangements
Regular visiting arrangements apply to all areas of the care centre except Level 3 – see details below.
Level 3
While there is a degree of transmission risk at the centre, visiting to Level 3 is strongly discouraged. If you do wish to continue with your plans to visit, please note the following arrangements:
- Residents are permitted 2 visitors only by appointment.
- No children under the age of 12 years are permitted to visit.
- All visitors are asked to show proof of a negative rapid antigen test before entering the care centre.
- All visitors are asked to wear all necessary PPE at all times while in the care centre including a P2/N95 mask and face shield which will be provided on entry.
- Please wear your PPE as instructed by staff. If a staff member asks you to adjust it they are doing so to protect you, your loved one, and all others living and working in the care centre.
Please do not visit your loved one if you are experiencing any symptoms or are feeling unwell, even if the symptoms are mild. A negative COVID-19 test result you may still have influenza which is highly contagious.
Please pass this message on to others as you consider appropriate and if you have any questions please contact your Care Manager.
Thank you for your support.
Yours sincerely
Nia Briguglio
EGM – Aged Care Centres
